ECOWAS Strengthens Regional Nutrition Strategies, host Food-System Based Dietary Guidelines Workshop in Nigeria.
By Raymond Enoch
In a bid to step effective strategies towards improving the nutrition landscape of West Africa, the Economic Community of West African States ( ECOWAS) hosted a pivotal workshop focused on the development of National Food-System Based Dietary Guidelines for its member states in Lagos Nigeria.
The event, which took place from March 26 to 28, 2025, gathered nutrition experts, policymakers, and stakeholders from across the region to exchange knowledge, tackle challenges, and lay a groundwork for more robust national dietary strategies.
The workshop, organized by the Directorate of Agriculture and Rural Development, was part of the broader Regional Agenda for Reinforcing Nutrition in Agricultural Policies and Programs in West Africa. Its goal was clear: to ensure that West African countries can provide their populations, particularly vulnerable groups, with access to healthy, nutritious, and diversified diets essential for maintaining good health and preventing chronic diseases.
Participants took a comprehensive look at the nutritional challenges faced by the region, reflecting on the current status and sharing experiences from various member states. National Dietary Guidelines, which offer tailored recommendations regarding food groups and eating patterns based on local contexts, were at the heart of the discussions. These guidelines play a crucial role in helping countries promote healthy eating habits and shape effective food and nutrition policies.
In addition to sharing experiences, the workshop focused on strengthening participants’ understanding of the methodologies required to develop food recommendations based on food systems. Experts provided insights into the process, from identifying the relevant stakeholders to best practices for conducting an inclusive and effective development process. This knowledge sharing was crucial for equipping participants with the tools necessary to implement these dietary guidelines in their respective countries.
At the end of the workshop, a detailed roadmap was drafted, aimed at supporting all ECOWAS member states in adopting National Food System-based Dietary Guidelines. The roadmap will provide clear steps and strategies for the integration of nutrition into agricultural and food security policies, ultimately ensuring that the region’s most vulnerable populations have access to better nutrition and health outcomes.
The initiative is part of ECOWAS’s ongoing commitment to improving food security and health outcomes across West Africa. As the workshop demonstrated, the path to achieving these goals requires collaborative efforts, a deep understanding of local food systems, and the political will to implement policies that promote sustainable and nutritious diets for all.
This initiative is not just about better food – it’s about building a healthier future for West Africa.
